Ford Motor Company Case IV
Ford Motor Company Case IV
Taylor Hollis
Professor Harvel-Jenkins
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Ford Motor Company
Case Statement
Ford Motor Company will face challenges in emerging markets and with extreme
competitive pressures. Ford faces net income declination as well as concerns over
declining sales and slow innovation processes. Ford will maintain ethical standards
and continue to develop new revenue options.
Vision Statement
To become the world’s leading consumer company for automotive products and
services.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to strengthen communities and help make people’s live better.
One Ford: Align employee efforts toward a common definition of success and
One team: Work together as one team to achieve automotive leadership, which
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Ford Motor Company
One goal: Create an exciting and viable company delivering profitable growth for
profitability, philosophy, self-concept, public image, and employees. (David & David,
2017). These are the components that the business relies on for everyday use and
especially, for the future. Satisfied components of Ford Motor Company’s mission
growth & profitability, philosophy, concern for public image and concern for employees.
The mission statement could be enhanced by adding the component that it lacked;
technology.
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Ford Motor Company
Customers are identified within the mission statement, Ford Motor Company
measures by the satisfaction of the customer along with helping make peoples lives
better.
Products and Services are identified, the company intends to work together as a
progress in freedom.
Concern for survival, growth and profitability is also addressed in the mission
this, the outcome could have a more significant impact on the consumer.
communities and helping make people’s lives better. Ford relay’s their self-concept by
bettering others.
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Ford Motor Company
aligning employees with successes, working together as one team and creating an
Ford Motor Company does cover concern for public image. taking the
The mission statement does cover concern for employees, “Align employee
efforts towards a common definition of success and optimize their collective strengths
worldwide.”
Milestones
incorporated on June 16, 1903. Ford has been very much involved in the development
• In 1914, Henry Ford started an industrial revolution by more than doubling wages
to $5 a day. This move helped build the U.S. middle class and the modern
can stay in one place and perform the same task repeatedly on multiple vehicles
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Ford Motor Company
assisting the company to surpass the production levels of its competitors, while
• Beginning in 1932, Ford produced it’s own brand of alternative fuel called
“Benzol”. Henry Ford preferred harnessing nature as an energy source and using
looked for ways to recycle waste created by his factories and to help relieve the
fuel burden on the public. Fast forward into the early 21st century, more than 90
percent of the alternative fuel vehicles sold in the world are Fords. The goal is still
• In 1918, the U.S. government commissioned Ford Motor Company to build the
Eagle Boats, supplying the allies’ needs, for World War I. The company also
• Ford Aerospace was the prime contractor for implementation of the Mission
Control Center for NASA during the Gemini and Apollo space programs. The work
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Ford Motor Company
life styles, flight crew activities, recovery support and ground network operations.
Over the years, Ford Aerospace continued to provide the U.S. Department of
Defense and NASA with satellite control systems and ground terminals. In
October 1990, Ford Aerospace was sold to Loral Corporation for $715 million,
2020).
• In 1914, the first contract with the union (United Automobile Workers) was signed.
in business, however, the union proceeded to work together over the decades to
ensure continually improving conditions for workers. The UAW grew and
strengthened, securing pensions and health benefits. In the 1980s, Ford and the
UAW strengthened their relationship through joint policies and programs focused
on quality, production methods, and workers and their families. (Ford Motor
Company, 2020).
Using the External Factor Evaluation Matrix allows strategists to summarize and
2017).
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Ford Motor Company
Opportunities
1. Green Vehicles 0.15 3 0.45
Opportunities:
Reflecting on the EFE above, Ford Motor Company has several great
knowledgable that cars release large quantities of CO2 and affect the environment
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Ford Motor Company
negatively. Ford has developed a strategy to reduce the carbon dioxide released from
the vehicles, which in turn, makes them more efficient. They can build vehicles that run
vehicles. The 2018’s C-Max and Fusion Hybrid car model can be their most significant
opportunity, as they have already captured the market with this new model.
flexible fuel and hybrid engines will resolve the increasing fuel prices dilemma.
New emission standards would improve their position on the industry. Ford’s
companies. All companies are more likely to enter into such partnerships to drive R&D
costs down, approach new markets and gain new skills due to current competitive
pressure.
The new taxation policy can significantly impact the way of doing business and
can open new opportunity for established players such as Ford to increase its
profitability.
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Ford Motor Company
Ford is working on penetrating the automobile market in India and China. They
have an excellent opportunity to tap into other small countries in the world and grow
their customer base. The adoption of new technology standard and government free
trade agreement has provided Ford Motor Company an opportunity to enter new
emerging markets.
In 2017, Ford has invested $1 Billion in Artificial Intelligence company, Argo AI,
to develop its self-driving technology. In addition, Ford has partnered with Walmart
and Postmates to test the future of grocery delivery. The new automotive technologies
could increase demand for new models and sales. Could also increase interest in car
purchases.
Global market share grew to 7.6 percent, up one-tenth percent from the
previous year.
Threats:
Decreasing fuel prices could limit demand for costlier alternative fuel vehicles
such as hybrids and electrics. This would negatively affect Ford and its focus on fuel-
efficiency.
Increase prices of raw materials such as steel and raw metals can directly affect
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Ford Motor Company
maintain its innovation position in the industry competing with its rival companies;
Toyota and Tesla. Stable profitability has increased the automotive industries over the
last two years which has put downward pressure on profitability and overall sales.
fluctuations especially given the volatile political climate in number of markets across
the world.
The increasing trend toward isolationism in the American economy can lead to
similar reaction from other government, in turn, negatively impacting the international
sales.
The compliance and regulatory threats for automobile brands have increased in
the past years because of the environmental improvements going around the world.
Vehicles are not inspected for public safety and quality issues. Ford can face serious
American auto market, particularly Volkswagen and Toyota. Toyota is now competing
directly with Ford in the pickup truck market, and Volkswagen is considering entering
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Ford Motor Company
that market. Mercedes and Nissan are now competing directly with Ford in the
Internal Assessment
Strengths
1. Global recognition 0.05 3 0.15
Strengths
the global markets because of its success in marketing and advertising. It’s brand
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Ford Motor Company
Ford has a strong financial position. In 2015, the company had a net income of
$1.9 billion, a 44% increase from the year prior. (David & David, 2017). The good
new projects and generated good returns on capital expenditure by building new
revenue streams.
fuel-efficient engines. The Ford Fiesta is the result of the initiative, currently the lowest
emitting mass-produced car in Europe. Along with, the Ford Focus ECOnetic that has
being the largest automobile market in the world. The company opened a research
Adaptability is one of Ford’s key strengths. Ford has a large product and
services portfolio which gives them strong leverage and less dependency on just one
product range. Their commitment to adopting new technologies also gives them a
Over the years Ford Motor Company has invested in building a strong brand
portfolio. This can be extremely useful if the organization wants to expand into new
product categories.
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Ford Motor Company
Ford’s research and development is one of its key strengths because the
company is committed to make and develop new products. They are continuously
trying to improve the performance of their vehicles. The factors that are evaluated
Ford motor Company has a large network and caters to all kinds of
demographic groups with their diversified brands and car models. They take care of
the needs and wants of their consumers by providing them with more variety of cars
exemplifying their diversity in operations and distribution. Ford develops its cars on
Weaknesses
Days inventory is high compared to the competitors. This results in forcing the
company to raise more capital to invest in the channel. This can impact the long term
Ford Motor Company has large operations in Europe. The car sales in Europe
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Ford Motor Company
Only 15.82% of Ford’s volume was derived from Asia-Pacific sales in 2011.
Product Recalls are an undeniable weakness. Ford faced a huge loss and their
brand image suffered due to the product recalls back in May 2016. They recalled
approximately 830,000 Ford and Lincoln vehicles to replace faulty side door latches.
(CNBC, 2016).
Markets. Predictions state that the majority of future car sales will result from emerging
they lack focus in performance and productivity. They do not have a stronghold in
Industry Analysis
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Ford Motor Company
viewed as a composite of five forces. These factors are rivalry among competing firms,
bargaining power of suppliers, and bargaining power of consumers. (David & David,
2017).
Rivalry among competing firms is usually the most powerful of the five
competitive forces. The strategies pursued by one firm can be successful only to the
extent that they provide competitive advantage over the strategies pursued by rival
firms. (David & David, 2017). The automobile industry contains a very strong rivalry
among existing firms. Due to the rapid changing consumer demands, competition
increases. An increase in market growth, also, increases rivalry because firms will
compete for market share in emerging markets. The diversity of existing firms allows
some companies to have a competitive advantage over others. Companies face the
rivalry hoping they have a fighting chance because the barriers to exit are strong.
Company, Toyota Motors, Tata Motors, Daimler, Hyundai Motors, Honda, Tesla Motors
and Volkswagen. With the production of 6.4 million vehicles in 2016, Ford motors are
the fifth largest automobile manufacturer in the world. As a part of its strategic growth
plan, Ford has acquired majority of artificial intelligence start-up “Argo-AI” in 2017, self
driving cars, and eco-centric vehicles; proving that diversifying a firm allows a
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Ford Motor Company
competitive advantage. They also plan to trim workforce by 10% in Asia and US as
well as save $3 billion through cost reduction measures. These factors will influence
Whenever new firms can easily enter a particular industry, the intensity of
competitiveness among firms increases. Barriers to entry, however, can include the
need to gain economies of scale quickly, the need to gain technology and specialized
know-how, the lack of experience, strong customer loyalty, strong brand preferences,
The automobile industry is not particularly easy to enter. The economies of scale
is difficult to achieve in the industry in which Ford Motor Company operates. The
makes it easier for those producing large capacitates to have a cost advantage. It also
makes production costlier for new entrants. This specialized industry requires
enormous capital investment for factory facilities, machinery, labor, and technology.
The cost of entering into the market increases its barrier to enter and exit. There is not
a lot of threat from new entrants due to the industry being so massive and mature.
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Ford Motor Company
New entrants would have to mass-produce their automobiles, reaching the economies
policies/regulations within the industry require strict licensing and legal requirements to
be fulfilled before a company can start selling. The threat of new entrants is a weak
force.
Ford Motor Company can take advantage of the economies of scale it has
within the industry, fighting off new entrants through its cost advantage. The company
can also focus on innovation to differentiate its products from that of new entrants.
They can also promote their company by spending more on marketing to build a
trains and busses are affordable to almost everyone, worldwide. Customers are limited
substitute. The component of quality and design can be a decisive factor when it
comes to selecting a substitute, which has been a focal point for Ford, providing it an
edge. (Ford Motor Company, 2020). Ford faces moderate level of threat from
substitute products.
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Ford Motor Company
The suppliers in the automotive industry include the firms engaging in business
the buyers, the number of suppliers in the industry in which Ford Motor Company
operates is abundant. Therefore, the suppliers have less control over prices. If a
supplier isn’t able to perform adequately, the supplier will fail and be replaced. The
large scale of the company benefits in reducing the bargaining power of the suppliers,
but the presence of alternate buyers strengths the supplier position in the industry,
Ford Motor Company consists of a supply chain, globally. The customers of the
company include individual buyers as well as rental buyers, each having a different
bargaining power. The consumers influence the company prices, effecting the
profitability of the business. The buyers have a few firms to choose from, and
therefore, do not have control over prices. However, customers do have the ability to
about the differentiated products; quality, fuel efficiency, price, warranty, etc. With
sales expecting to grow and new products being manufactured, customers are going
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Ford Motor Company
to have a bigger variety of products to choose from, increasing their buyer power
Competitive Strategies
SWOT Matrix
Strengths
Weaknesses
2. Eco-Friendly cars
2. Highly dependent on US
3. Strong supply chain
market
Opportunities
SO Strategies
WO Strategies
1. Digital marketing
1. Utilize brand image and 1. Launch and market self
2. Self driving vehicles
equity along with focusing on driving car to increase China
3. Asian markets low exposure
marketing strategies to grow sales. W3, O1, O2
Threats
ST Strategies
WT Strategies
1. Competitive pressures
1. Increase diverse products to 1. Increase innovation speed to
2. New entry of high-tech firms
combat competitive address aggressive
3. Regulatory threats
pressures. S4, T1
competition and the entry of
4. Rising prices of raw 2. Maintain a strong position in high tech firms. W5, T1, T2
SWOT Analysis
Ford Motor company is one of the largest vehicle manufacturers worldwide. The
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Ford Motor Company
with utilizing digital technologies for marketing. Major threats include the extreme
Ford Motor Company’s strengths include a strong and successful position in the
US market along with maintaining brand equity. Weaknesses are also present; in 2018,
the net income declined tremendously from year prior, 60% of the net revenue is from
the US, therefore the company is highly dependent upon the country, along with, a
balancing and looking for opportunities and strengths, to offset the weaknesses and
threats.
Strengths
received a strong brand image. The strength is significant to the automotive industry
because it translates into customer loyalty due to the high level of popularity. Brand
equity is all the more important to retain sales, revenues and leadership position. Apart
from concentrating on technology and customer experience, the brand has also built
its leadership position through branding and marketing. Strong brand equity and image
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Ford Motor Company
is Ford’s leading market as well as its largest source of revenue for the brand.
Weaknesses
There are several weaknesses faced by Ford Motor Company. Net income of
the company went through a major decline in 2020 and 2019. MacroTrends reported
that there was a 98.72% decline in 2019 from 2018. Along with, 110.17% decline in
2020 from 2019. (MacroTrends, 2020). The fall in net income could be attributed to
growing prices of raw materials, decline in overall unit sales, unfavorable exchange
China has become the leading automotive market of the world. Over the past
five year, the position of Ford Motors in the Chinese market has continued to weaken
as sales have continued to fall in this market. As Ford’s second-largest market, the
weakening position in China is an important concern for the brand. In 2017, records
show that the annual Ford sales in China declined 11.73%, 2018 there was an
astonishing 54.34% decline, along with, 2019 drastic decrease of 39.36%. (Demandt,
2020). Continuously falling sales in the leading auto market of the world suggests
Opportunities
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Ford Motor Company
linked to growth and expansion. Ford has the opportunity to work within a strategic
alliance with other firms attributed to entering new markets. Ford must focus on
growing its sales in the Asian markets to grow its profits and net income. China has
become the leading automotive market of the world. Meanwhile, India is also seeing
growth in demand for automotive. With growing markets, Ford has the opportunity to
capitalize and implement itself through strategic alliances of joint-ventures within these
emerging markets.
Increasing fuel prices will give Ford an opportunity to capitalize because of the
production plan of fully autonomous vehicles for commercial use also presents
significant opportunities and can offer a profitable option to Ford for growing sales and
profits faster.
digital marketing for Ford’s brand. The digital concept can help with driving sales,
management.
Threats
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Ford Motor Company
Many of the threats of Ford Motor Company stem from the fact that the
means higher pressure related to product design, quality, innovation and marketing.
Ford may find itself struggling to maintain a steady customer base while struggling to
Another concerning threat is of technology firms like Google and Apple, with
their efforts to make driverless cars that would compete against Ford’s products. The
battle for providing best products with the lowest prices may impact the profit margins
significantly.
The instability of oil prices threatens the sales performance of Ford’s products,
which majority have internal combustion engines. On the other hand, a decrease in
gas prices could change consumer’s demand from a small, fuel-efficient car to pick-up
truck. 32% of citizens surveyed say they would replace their vehicle with one that is
fuel-efficient if gas prices reach $6. (Jacobe, 2011). If Ford and the automobile industry
faces an increase in raw materials, then the vehicles price would increase, which could
affecting the level of sales and profitability of Ford Motors. Rising regulatory pressures
are leading to compliance related pressures and causing profits to decline. Trade wars
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Ford Motor Company
between US and China are already causing heavy pressures and have led to reduction
in sales.
Matching techniques allow for individuals to identify a strategic plan for the
company, based on the current environmental factors. For this evaluation of Ford
Motor Company, the SWOT Matrix was utilized, which provides the ability to match
opportunities, weaknesses with threats, strengths with threats, and weaknesses with
The SWOT matrix below shows Ford Motor Company’s key strengths,
weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. There are eight strategies that could be
SO Strategies
Ford motor company can apply their internal strengths to take advantage of
external opportunities. The company can utilize equity by investing in Asian engineers
and Research & Development. Asia operations can reorganize and accelerate to
profitable growth. Strategizing with research and development can lead to diversifying
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Ford Motor Company
new vehicles by 2025. (Ford Media, 2018). The company can create a new joint
venture with Zotye for a new line of small battery-electric vehicles. (Ford Media, 2018).
Additionally, Ford can form other strategic alliances to explore areas of cooperation in
Ford Motor Company has the opportunity to grow and expand through market
lowering fuel emissions, investing in autonomous driving and increasing fuel efficient/
electric vehicles. The company can capitalize on the increasing fuel prices due to it’s
emphasis on fuel efficient and autonomous cars. These cars are full of opportunities
and can offer a profitable option to Ford for growing sales and profits faster.
Commodity prices are growing every year. In 2018 their direct effect was felt on the net
income of Ford Motors. This strategy suggests that Ford focuses on R&D regarding
fuel efficient cars and autonomous driving, then the company can take advantage of
WO Strategies
Ford can improve the falling sales in China by launching and marketing the self-
driving car. Ford has been investing heavily on electrical cars and artificial intelligence
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Ford Motor Company
approximately 30% of global car sales. (Wagner, 2020). Ford has cut production in
China, however, with this strategy and focused R&D, this may turn out to be very
effective. This strategic plan is promising, due to China’s recent rise in the sales of
In order for Ford to improve it’s net income, the company must take advantage
manufacturing costs vary directly with weight, Ford can utilize lighter material for
certain components. The company can also accomplish savings by building modern
purchased parts, and gaining efficiency through great division of labor. (Abernathy &
Wayne, 1974). By reducing costs Ford can achieve economies without increasing the
ST Strategies
One of the key strengths of Ford is research and development. Ford has shown
large and consistent interest over the years demonstrating with it’s massive
investments. For instance, R&D expenditures came to about 7.4 billion U.S. dollars in
2019, putting an end to the gradual increase in R&D efforts of the past three years,
which had consistently been in the range of about one third of gross profits. Ford
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Ford Motor Company
funded 8.2 billion U.S. dollars in 2018, and 8 billion in 2017. (Wagner, 2020). Ford is
working on a new fleet of electric vehicles with a goal of having sixteen plug-in electric
vehicles models to market in 2022. (Wagner, 2020). Another focus, Ford’s research and
expected to become a large market by 2025, valued at 36 billion U.S. dollars. (Wagner,
2020). Increasing diversity with assistance from R&D can alleviate competitive
pressures.
maintain a strong position in the US market. Both, in the US, and globally, trade wars
because the brand has built a strong image whose main focus is the convenience and
safety of passengers. Ford Motor Company sells approximately 2.4 million motor
vehicles annually in the United States. The Ford brand is one of the highest valued
WT Strategies
Ford can increase innovation in order to reduce aggressive competition and the
threat of new entries. Ford can take advantage of the growing needs of public
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Ford Motor Company
transports, millennials consider public transportation as the best option for digital
socializing and among the best for connecting with communities. Ridership has
increased 28% since 1995. (APTA, 2020). Ford can also capitalize with, utility vehicles,
manufacturing buses in India or Africa, or even oil tankers for oil producing countries.
This would not be bizarre for the company, in 1918, Ford built boats, helmets, tanks,
airplane engines, ambulances, and tractors for WWI. (Ford Motor Company, 2020).
The company can improve economic efficiency from carrying out production on
a larger scale. To lower costs, Ford can; redesign product, cutting out unnecessary
tasks, and strategically plan to maximize the specialization of workforce. Ford should
focus on volume with production facilities and manufacturing networks, achieving both
that are larger than the company’s rivals. Another variable with improving economies of
scale is to concentrate on innovation and growing its presence in Asia. Partnering with
local brands in the Asian markets could help Ford find faster growth. Expanding
Financial Analysis
Growth Rates
A firm’s growth rate is dependent upon many different factors. The most significant
factors pertaining to the company’s growth includes sales revenue and net income.
Ford Motor Company’s current sales/revenue growth rate is a 1.38% increase year-
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Net income reflects the total residual income that remains after accounting for all
cash flows, both positive and negative. A company’s profit is called net income, or
bottom line. Net income is one of the most important financial metric, reflecting a
company’s ability to generate profit for owners and shareholders. Ford Motor Co.
achieved in the third quarter, above company average, net income of 465.01% year on
year. Among companies who have reported third quarter results in the auto
manufacturers industry only one company has achieved higher year on year net
income results in the third quarter. (MacroTrends, 2020). Net income for the 2019 was
at -96.00, while the industry was higher at -55.58. (MSN, 2020). These negative figures
tell us that the auto manufacturing industry is struggling to remain profitable, and Ford
Price Ratios
Price ratios correspond directly to the stock market. Investors have the
opportunity to buy into public companies by purchasing stocks, or shares. Price ratios
help us to understand where a company stands regarding value within the market.
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Ford Motor Company
The Price/Book value ratio for Ford Motor is 0.85. (MacroTrends, 2020). Any
value under one is considered a strong P/B value, indicating this is where the firm is
financially strong.
The Current Price/Earnings (P/E) ratio represents the amount that investors will
currently pay for shares of the company. A high P/E ratio could mean that a company’s
stock is over-valued, or else that investors are expecting high growth rates in the
future. (Hayes, 2020). Ford Motor Company’s current P/E is 40.21 (MacroTrends, 2020),
while the industrial average has not been established yet. (MSN, 2020).
price to its revenues. It is an indicator of the value that financial markets have placed
Company’s PSR is currently at 0.20; less than the industrial average of 0.77. (MSN,
2020). This tells us that investors were not willing to pay as much for Ford Motor
Company as they were to other auto manufacturers in the industry. Price/Sales Ratio
Profitability ratios show how efficiently a company generates profit and value for
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Ford Motor Company
The profitability ratios discussed pertaining to Ford Motor Company will include pretax
company before deducting taxes. To boost profitability, management teams must strike
a balance between increasing sales and reducing costs. Pretax profit margins give us
an indicator of how successful companies are at achieving this goal. For investors, one
of the most common and useful measures to gauge corporate profitability is to look at
profit margins. (Liberto, 2019). Ford Motor Company’s current pre-tax margin is
-0.41%, compared to an industry average of 4.73%, meaning that the company is less
profitable than other companies in the industry, when considering earnings prior to
Net profit margin is also referred to as a company’s bottom line. The net profit
margin is the ratio of net profits to revenues for a company. This key ratio illustrates
how much of each dollar in revenue collected by a company translates into profit.
(Murphy, 2020). Ford Motor Company has a current net profit margin of 0.11%; much
less than the industry average of 3.01%. (MSN, 2020). With this information, one can
conclude Ford Motor Company is below average when it comes to maintaining profits
Financial Condition
By using the current ratio, quick ratio, interest coverage, debt/equity ratio and
book value per share, the financial condition of a company can be measured. We will
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Ford Motor Company
look at debt/equity ratio and book value per share to make assumptions on Ford Motor
Book value per share (BVPS) is a method to calculate the per-share book value
of a company based on common shareholders’ equity in the company. The book value
of a company is the difference between that company’s total assets and total liabilities.
This ratio measures the amount a shareholder would received if the company were to
be liquidated, and is based and calculated on the company’s outstanding shares at the
end of the year. If a company’s BVPS is higher than its market value per share, then its
book value per share is $8.09, the industry average comes in at $3.45. (MSN, 2020).
shows to us the proportion of equities and debts that the company uses for financing
assets. This ratio is calculated by dividing its total liabilities by stockholders’ equity.
(Hayes, 2020). Stockholders are interested in this calculation in particular as they are
looking for the value of the company to increase. As a company’s value increases, so
does the company’s stock value. (MSN, 2020). Ford Motor Company’s debt/equity
ratio 3.21, whereas the industrial average is 1.08. (MSN, 2020). Ford is not doing as
well as the industry average. The higher ratio suggest higher risk and that the
company is financing its growth with debt. With the debt/equity ratio 3.21, it may be
difficult for Ford to raise short term capital. The current ratio is favorable at 1.34,
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Ford Motor Company
Fords current ratio of 1.34 indicates that Ford does currently have sufficient
working capital. Ford can cover its current liabilities 1.34 times with its current assets.
Investment Returns
return ratios assist investors within the corporation with understanding where the
investments are least and most effective. Investment ratios discussed are return on
Return on Assets is calculated by dividing Net Income and Average Total Assets.
This metric is an indicator of how well a company utilizes its assets, by determining
how profitable a company is relative to its total assets. The higher the ratio the better,
as this shows that the company is more efficient in asset utilization. (Hargrave, 2020).
Ford Motor Company has a return on asset ratio of -0.02%, remarkably low when
ratio to a more favorable figure, Ford will need to improve asset utilization.
stockholders’ equity. With this information, analysts are able to foresee how quickly a
company could turn debt into returns, if necessary. (Hargrave, 2020). Ford Motor
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Ford Motor Company
Company has a return on equity ratio of 0.-20%, a low percentage compared to the
Return on capital is the amount of return a company makes above the average
cost it pays for its debt and equity capital. It’s used to assess the company’s efficiency
at allocating the capital under its control to profitable investments. (Kenton, 2020).
Ford Motor Company’s return on capital as a 5 year average is 3.01%; lower than the
that Ford is losing money. (MSN, 2020). Ford is experiencing a smaller return on
capital than the car manufacturing average. Return on capital, return on equity, and
return on assets all indicate that the capital budgeting procedures are not effective.
The board of directors of Ford Motor Company declared $0.15 per quarter
dividend on the company’s outstanding Class B and common stock. The company is
paying out respectable dividend, however, in long term this may not be able to
continue.
Management Efficiency
industry average is $8.65k. (MSN, 2020). This establishes that Ford is likely not making
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will not likely employ the greatest talents in the car manufacturing industry. This is a
sure disadvantage for Ford. Employees are making roughly half of what they could
elsewhere in the industry. Low salaries could lead to high turnover rate.
Five-Year Summary
From 2016- 2018 Ford’s total revenue slightly increased year after year.
Between 2018 and 2019 it decreased from $160.3B to 155.9B. (FordNews, 2020).
generating more revenue while controlling expenses, overhead, and production costs.
(Hayes, 2020). In 2016, the company had an operating income of $5,786M then it had
Ford’s net income history runs parallel to the operating income. In 2016,
The fact that Ford’s income is decreasing along with revenues suggests that the
profit margin is also decreasing. If Ford could boost revenues and income, the
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Ford Motor Company
QSPM Matrix
Key
Factors Weigh
t AS TAS AS TAS AS TAS
Opportun
ities
1 Green Vehicles
0.15 4 0.6 4 0.6 3 0.45
Threats
1 Decreasing fuel
prices 0.05 2 0.10 2 0.10 4 0.20
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Ford Motor Company
3 Intense competition
0.025 4 0.1 3 0.075 3 0.075
4 Fluctuating
exchange rates 0.05 4 0.20 3 0.15 1 0.05
5 Increasing trend of
isolationism 0.025 4 0.1 3 0.075 2 0.05
6 Regulations
0.05 3 0.30 4 0.20 2 0.20
7 Growing presences
of German and
0.025 1 0.025 2 0.05 2 0.05
Japanese
automakers
Strength
s
1 Global recognition
0.05 3 0.15 4 0.20 4 0.20
2 Financial
performance 0.10 3 0.30 4 0.40 4 0.40
3 ECOnetic initiative
0.10 2 0.20 4 0.40 4 0.40
4 Growth in China
0.05 4 0.20 3 0.15 2 0.10
5 Adapability
0.05 2 0.10 2 0.10 3 0.15
6 Strong brand
recognition 0.08 3 0.24 4 0.32 3 0.24
7 Research and
Development 0.05 4 0.20 4 0.20 4 0.20
8 Large network
0.075 3 0.225 4 0.3 3 0.225
Weaknes
ses
1 Days inventory is
high 0.05 - - - - - -
2 Unprofitable Europe
operation 0.075 - - - - - -
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Ford Motor Company
3 Low exposure to
Asia-Pacific 0.075 4 0.3 4 0.3 2 0.15
4 Product Recalls
0.075 - - - - - -
5 Poor Reputation
0.06 - - - - - -
6 Dependence on
U.S. Markets 0.08 2 0.16 3 0.24 3 0.24
7 Weak Foothold
0.03 - - - - -
TOTA
L 5.00 5.46 5.03
Strategic Alternatives
external and internal key success factors. This planning involves taking the strengths,
weaknesses, opportunities and threats, and assessing a weight to each factor of the
IFE and EFE, assigning attractiveness score based on the effect that each component
could have on the presented strategy. At the bottom of the QSPM, The sum total
attractiveness scores (STAS) reveals which strategy is most attractive in each set of
alternatives. Higher scores indicated more attractive strategies, considering all the
relevant external and internal factors that could affect the strategic decisions. (David &
David, 2017).
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Ford Motor Company
strategies were; improve the Asian market, expand manufacturing network, and
develop diverse products. Each of the individual strategies have the potential to satisfy
opportunities that will improve global customer satisfaction, revenues and market share
improve and grow the Asia-Pacific market. Ford needs to fight to gain ground in Asia-
Pacific territory. China, alone, represents 30% of global car sales. (Wagner, 2020).
India is also seeing a growth in demand . By fulfilling it’s commitment to launch 50 new
vehicles in the Asia-Pacific market, focus on R&D, and work within a strategic alliance
with other firms, Ford has the ability to increase profit and net income with this growth
and expansion. The total attractiveness score for this alternative was 5.00.
specific alternative, for this strategy aims to provide unique services to the Asia-Pacific
market. (David & David, 2017). Expanding the Asia-Pacific market has potential to be
companies are formed and grow to prominence. (David & David, 2017).
network, has remained the highest of the three proposed alternatives. With a total
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Ford Motor Company
assist research, product development, extract higher volumes, potential joint ventures,
enhance supply chain along with much more. By carrying out production on a larger
scale, the company can improve economic efficiency and lower costs, compared to
leadership best value strategy. This strategy would allow the company to offer
this strategy, Ford would conduct extensive research and development in order to
manufacturing industry is extremely competitive and this could help set Ford apart.
This strategy focuses on differentiating the company, using Porter’s Type 3 generic
strategy, differentiation. The total attractiveness for developing new products was mid-
level at 5.03.
Recommendation
The strategic alternative with the greatest Total Attractiveness Score is that of
expanding the manufacturing network. This strategy will improve economies of scale
which will lower costs and more importantly the price of Ford’s products. The
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Ford Motor Company
alternative holds the highest Total Attractiveness Score, as well as helps to cover many
gain additional market share in the growing middle class demographics while reducing
costs.
will counter the higher costs Ford exemplifies when compared to competitors. This will
improve the working capital position of the company, therefore, potentially reverse the
advantage of Ford’s strengths and opportunities, while reducing many of the threats
Ford Motor company remains to have a moral and ethical responsibility towards
worldwide. A total of 39 are part of its zero waste fill program. This company must be
careful when expanding manufacturing networks, paying attention to the small details
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Ford Motor Company
Implementation Plan
Ford Motor Company will have a strong implementation plan, which will include
expanding in the electric and autonomous vehicles market, focusing on the largest
automotive market, China. The meetings will discuss marketing strategies, operational
Chairman Bill Ford and CEO Jim Hackett will share the vision of China’s expansion
Peter Fleet, President of Ford Asia Pacific, will go over the financial and
operational planning. This will explain the focus of the plan as well as the requirements
Ford Motor Company will hold meetings each quarter to discuss status of the
project, expected versus actual timelines, budget plans, along with any positive or
negative implications as to how various factor will affect the timeline. Ford’s executive
group will also take these meetings as opportunities to discuss any further updates or
issues.
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Ford Motor Company
Ford will follow an organizational structure. The company will divide the tasks
Executives:
transparency, ensuring all members fully understand their goals and outcomes.
• Follow progression of timeline and maintain accuracy. Keep all team members up to
Finance:
Marketing:
• Conduct research, look at the competitive information gathered and analyze trend
data.
• Launch marketing campaign to target market. Utilize online and offline channels.
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Ford Motor Company
• Draw conclusions of the Chinese market, incomes and abilities, the smart vehicle
Human Resources:
• Ensure work force is educated and thoroughly understands the proper protocol for
expansion
• Monitor status throughout the entire process. Hire necessary workers and conduct
training.
Financing
There are three alternatives for Ford Motor Company to raise capital: debt,
equity or a combination of debt and equity. To consider the financing options for
expanding in the electric and autonomous vehicles market, the following assumptions
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Ford Motor Company
• Interest Rate: 5%
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Ford Motor Company
The analysis shows that each of the four financing options hold very comparable
EPS results. However, debt financing shows the greatest EPS, at .4170 in a recession,
closely behind debt financing in order of greatest to least EPS are 70% Debt/30%
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Ford Motor Company
Projected Income
Statement
2020 2021 2022 2023
The projected income statement shows data ranging over four consecutive
years, reflecting an expected 25% growth in income due to the suggest strategy of
expanding in the electric and autonomous vehicle market. Expenses also increased
Conclusion
effectiveness of the strategic plan. Expanding into the electric and autonomous market
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Ford Motor Company
allows the company to capture market share, relieve China’s declining sales, maintain
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